PETER POPPLETON CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN THORNABY: FAMILY MAN'S FALL FROM GRACE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Thornaby, Peter Poppleton, a 48-year-old man known for his role as a family man, faced serious criminal charges after being found in possession of child pornography. The incident was brought to light when police traced his online activity back to his residence on November 24 of the previous year, leading to the seizure of his personal laptop.

According to prosecutor David Crooke, authorities discovered more than 200 indecent images depicting children aged between eight and 16 on Poppleton’s computer. Among these images, three were classified at the second most serious level, Level 4, indicating extreme content. Additionally, the investigation uncovered material involving an adult female that was deemed extreme. The police investigation revealed that Poppleton’s computer had been used on three separate occasions to access websites with names suggesting content related to children. However, it was noted that there was no evidence to suggest that these images were stored or categorized on his device; rather, they had simply been accessed.

Throughout the court proceedings, Poppleton’s lawyer, Rebecca Brown, emphasized the profound personal toll the charges had taken on him. She explained that he and his wife had separated, he had lost his home, and he resigned from his job out of shame. Despite these hardships, Brown highlighted that Poppleton was a loved and respected member of his family. She also pointed out that he had been suffering from anxiety and depression, for which he sought counseling. Brown stressed that her client denied any sexual attraction to children, asserting that his access to the sites was driven by curiosity and boredom rather than any malicious intent. She further stated that Poppleton expressed remorse for his actions and accepted that the images involved real children.

It was also noted that Poppleton had no prior convictions related to sexual offences. Nevertheless, the court took a stern stance on his actions. Judge Gillian Matthews QC sentenced him to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, coupled with supervision. She also ordered him to participate in a Sexual Offender Treatment Programme, to be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for five years, and to register as a sex offender for a decade. Poppleton, who resides on Thorntree Road in Thornaby, pleaded guilty to 17 counts of making indecent images of children, two counts of possessing extreme pornography, and one count of possessing indecent images of children. This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences faced by individuals involved in such criminal activities, and it has left a lasting impact on the Thornaby community.